Tracking the coaching carousel: 11 Fort Worth-area high school football changes
A wave of head coaching changes has swept through Fort Worth-area high school football programs over the past several months. From Class 6A powerhouses to Class 4A contenders, here’s a roundup of the moves shaping the 2026 season:
Here are key takeaways:
Arlington ISD promoted defensive coordinator Zach Najarro to head football coach at Lamar High School, replacing Billy Skinner, who left to become Grapevine-Colleyville ISD’s executive director of athletics.
Decatur’s Steve Huff resigned after four seasons and a 36-18 record to take the head coaching job at Chickasha High School in Oklahoma. Former Glen Rose head coach Cliff Watkins is the next head football coach and athletic director at Decatur after helping the Tigers to become a Class 4A powerhouse with 10 consecutive undefeated district titles.
Lake Worth head coach Todd Peterman, who led DeSoto to a 2016 state championship, will not return for the 2026 season after going 4-17 over two seasons with the Bullfrogs. Lake Worth’s head coaching position is open.
Weatherford ISD named Marshall Williams, most recently offensive coordinator at Lucas Lovejoy under Todd Dodge, as its next head football coach. He replaces Aubrey Sims, who was hired as Alvarado ISD’s next head coach and athletic director. Sims will take over a program with a 25-2 record over the past two seasons.
Alvarado’s Casey Walraven was announced as the next head coach at Hutto High School in the Austin area, replacing for North Crowley assistant Eli Reinhart, who left for Grand Valley State University.
Carroll ISD promoted defensive coordinator Lee Munn to head football coach at Southlake Carroll. He replaces Riley Dodge, who departed to become SMU’s tight ends coach and passing game coordinator.
Courtney Allen, former head coach at Mesquite Horn and North Crowley, was named head football coach at Mansfield Legacy, taking over a program dropping to Class 5A Division II. He replaces Jeff Hulme, who departed to join Art Briles’ staff as defensive coordinator at Eastern New Mexico University.
Wilson Rigg, offensive coordinator at Anna during its 2023 Class 4A Division I state championship, was hired as the next head football coach at Azle, replacing 16-year head coach Devon Dorris.
DeMarcus Harris was unanimously approved as North Crowley’s next head coach, taking over from Ray Gates, who left for the University of North Texas.
Northwest ISD removed the interim tag from Zach Woodward, officially naming him Byron Nelson’s head football coach after he led the Bobcats to a 10-3 record.
Arlington ISD tabbed West Mesquite defensive coordinator Bobby Watkins as the next head coach of Arlington Sam Houston following the retirement of Chris James.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.